Seneca River Lodge No. 160
Central New York's Observant Lodge
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Manifesto

The following serves as a template for Seneca River Lodge moving into its Observancy Period. It was detailed by R.·.W.·. Richard J Powell during his remarks following his Installation as Worshipful Master of Seneca River Lodge No. 160 on Tuesday June 17, 2014

Seneca River Lodge No. 160
Observant Masonry Manifesto

I. Lodge shall operate in a manner in keeping with the ideals as laid forth in the book “Observing the Craft” by Andrew Hammer and recommended by the Observant Masonry Principles of the Grand Lodge of New York

   a. Our Observant Lodge will hold itself and every member to the highest standard

II. Dress shall be Tuxedo or dark suit & tie 
    a. Preferably Officers in Tails
    b. All Observant members shall dress accordingly – long time Seneca River Brethren will be grandfathered in & not subjected to dress code but we would prefer they attempt to follow along

III. Meetings
     a. Shall be the 3rd Tuesday of September, October, March & April
         i. November - Official Visit
         ii. December – Feast of St. John
         iii. May – Election & Installation of Officers
         iv. June – Informal social gathering with the ladies
     b. Additional meetings for degrees, rehearsals, etc. shall be called as needed by WM
     c. No talking in the Lodge Room unless part of Ritual
         i. A period of silent meditation shall precede the opening of meeting
         ii. If, during the meeting, someone wishes to speak, he should rise, await for the WM to recognize him, salute and then speak
     d. There shall be a paper or some such presentation at every meeting
         i. Every member will be expected to present at least once in a 3-5 year period
     e. A Chain of Union shall close the Lodge meeting 
      f. A dinner shall follow the meeting where the paper/presentation will be discussed

IV. Attendance
     a. Is required at every meeting
         i. Unless excused – which must be requested in writing to the Secretary and WM
         ii. After more than 2 unexcused absences, a meeting will be set up with the WM to discuss continued membership to Lodge

V. Ritual
    a. Every member will be expected to know their obligations (ritually and literally)
    b. Every Officer will know the Ritual portions of their Office (ritually and literally)

VI. Degrees
     a. The Lodge shall employ the use of a Chamber of Refection prior to ALL Degree work
     b. Degree progression will be slow 
         i. Proficiency will include knowing obligations, both ritually and literally
         ii. A paper on the symbolism of the Degree is required
         iii. Both preceding requirements must be met before proceeding to the next Degree

VII. Masonic Education
      a. In addition to the papers presented, study groups may be organized, such as:
          i. Esoterica/Philosophy associated with the Craft
          ii. History of the Craft
          iii. Ritual Matters



The image of Square & Compasses with Sun, Moon and Eye depicted above and elsewhere on this site  is the the copyrighted property of Richard J Powell/ArsMasonica and is exclusively licensed to Seneca River Lodge No. 160. Any unlicensed use of this image will be considered a violation of copyright law.
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